Sun Jan 04 13:24:32 UTC 2026: Summary:

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury visited Sambalpur, Odisha, to meet with migrant workers from West Bengal following the death of a Bengali-speaking worker, Jewel Rana. Chowdhury expressed concern over reports of “parallel policing” where private individuals are demanding identity proof from migrant workers, suspecting them of being Bangladeshi infiltrators. He assured the workers of the Congress party’s support and stated he has raised the issue with Prime Minister Modi and plans to bring it to the attention of President Murmu, Union Minister Pradhan, and Chief Minister Majhi. Local police assured Chowdhury that they are taking the matter seriously and have arrested suspects in Rana’s death. Chowdhury also urged local Congress leaders to remain vigilant and prevent such incidents.

News Article:

Congress Leader Condemns “Parallel Policing” of Migrant Workers in Odisha

Sambalpur, Odisha – January 4, 2026 – Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury today condemned the alleged “parallel policing” of migrant workers in some states, following a visit to Sambalpur, Odisha. Chowdhury’s visit was prompted by the recent death of Jewel Rana, a Bengali-speaking migrant worker, and reports that private individuals are demanding identity proof from Bengali laborers, suspecting them of being Bangladeshi infiltrators.

Chowdhury, a former MP, met with migrant workers from West Bengal, assuring them of the Congress party’s support and stating that he has raised the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He plans to further escalate the matter to President Droupadi Murmu, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

“There is a parallel policing system in some States, as private persons are asking migrant workers to show their identity proof. This must be stopped,” Chowdhury stated, urging law enforcement to protect migrant workers from harassment.

Local police officials assured Chowdhury that they are treating the death of Jewel Rana with utmost seriousness and have arrested suspects. They emphasized a “zero tolerance” policy for such incidents and are conducting regular patrols and awareness campaigns to discourage vigilantism.

Chowdhury, accompanied by Congress leaders from West Bengal, where assembly elections are due this year, also visited the site where Jewel Rana was killed. He urged for Bengali-speaking people not to be considered Bangladeshi.

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